Varenicline For Nicotine Vaping Cessation In Non Smoker Vaper Adolescents

Varenicline For Nicotine Vaping Cessation In Non Smoker Vaper Adolescents

The Investigators propose a randomized, placebo-controlled trial to test the hypothesis that varenicline added to group behavioral and texting support will be well tolerated and improve vaping cessation rates among nicotine dependent adolescents who vape, do not smoke regularly, and are willing to try treatment to stop vaping compared to placebo added to group behavioral and texting support. The study will consist of a three-arm randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of (1) varenicline up to 1 mg bid for 12 weeks added to behavioral and texting support compared with (2) behavioral and texting support and placebo and (3) monitoring only. The primary comparison will be of vaping cessation rates in those assigned to varenicline vs placebo.To do this, the investigators propose to enroll 300 adolescents aged 16-25 who meet eligibility criteria.

Enrollees will include 300 nicotine dependent adolescents aged 16-25, who vape, do not smoke, and want to quit vaping. The study will will consist of a three-arm randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of (1) varenicline up to 1 mg bid for 12 weeks added to behavioral and texting support for adolescent vaping cessation or (2) behavioral and texting support and placebo or (3) monitoring only. The primary comparison of interest is efficacy of (1) varenicline vs (2) placebo arms on vaping abstinence outcomes. The study consists of one enrollment visit, one baseline visit, twelve weekly individual treatment and assessment sessions, and six monthly visits at weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 weeks. At the enrollment visit, participants will complete interviews, questionnaires and diagnostic assessments, as well as saliva and urine sample and vitals. At the baseline visit, participants will complete several interviews, questionnaires, provide a saliva sample for cotinine measurement, and be randomized to the varenicline plus behavioral treatment group, the placebo plus behavioral treatment group, or monitoring-only group. Study staff will distribute varenicline or identically appearing placebo with instructions on how to take the study medication at weeks 0, 2, 4 and 8. Participants will be instructed to bring all empty and unused study medication at each in-person study visit through Week 12. At the weekly treatment meetings, participants will participate in cognitive behavioral therapy and complete questionnaires. Monthly visits will consist of interviews, questionnaires and a saliva and urine sample.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 18-25 inclusive;
• Self report of daily or near daily nicotine vaping for the prior ≥ 3 months, screening semi-quantitative urine cotinine positive for recent nicotine use, exhaled CO <10 ppm and score ≥4 on the 10-item E-cigarette Dependence Inventory (ECDI);
• Self-report of no combusted tobacco use in the past 2 months at enrollment;
• Total body weight at screening ≥35 kg (77 lbs) and Body Mass Index (BMI) ≤35 kg/m2;
• Report motivation to quit vaping in the next 30 days;
• Able to understand study procedures and read and write in English;
• Competent and willing to consent to participate in study procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of a smoking cessation medication in the prior month (nicotine patch, gum, nasal spray, or inhaler, varenicline, bupropion);
• Unwillingness to abstain during the study from using smoking cessation aids other than those provided by the study;
• Unstable medical condition, epilepsy, severe renal impairment;
• Evidence of active problem substance use severe enough in the investigator's opinion to compromise ability to safely participate;
• Prior adverse drug reaction to varenicline;
• Unwilling to provide urine samples;
• Any condition or situation that would, in the investigator's opinion, make it unlikely that the participant could adhere safely to the study protocol.